Alajuela

Costa Rica 🕒 12:45:22 AM (UTC-6 CST)

Local Highlights

Explore the history, neighborhoods, food, and culture of Alajuela.

📖 Read Wikivoyage Travel Guide 📺 Watch City Videos

☀️ Weather Forecast

Mon Feb 23
27°C / 81°F
Low: 13°C / 55°F
Tue Feb 24
21°C / 70°F
Low: 14°C / 57°F
Wed Feb 25
25°C / 77°F
Low: 15°C / 59°F

📊 Core Metrics

Rent (1BD)
$622
Per Month (USD)
Safety Score
7.0
Out of 10
Internet
90
Mbps Avg
ℹ️ Data Accuracy & Sources

Rent: Sourced from live listings (Zyla Labs), government databases (HUD/CMHC), or regional economic estimates.
Safety: Aggregated from national crime statistics and State Department advisory levels.
Note: Prices are estimates only and may vary by neighborhood.

🌍 Demographics

  • Population47,494
  • Region
  • ClimateTropical
  • Elevation954 m

🛂 Immigration & Visas

Tourist Stay: 90 Days (Extensions Possible)
Tourists can apply for an extension of their stay at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.

Pensionado Visa
For retirees with a lifetime pension.
🕒 Validity: 24 Mo 💰 Income: $1,000/mo
Rentista Visa
For individuals with a stable income from investments or savings.
🕒 Validity: 24 Mo 💰 Income: $2,500/mo
Inversionista Visa
For individuals investing in Costa Rica.
🕒 Validity: 24 Mo
Citizenship Path: Eligible after 7 years of residency. (Dual Citizenship Allowed)

💰 Cost of Living Breakdown

Housing & Utilities

  • Basic Utilities for 915 Square Feet Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)67.22 USD
  • Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher)63.38 USD
  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)22000.00 USD
  • 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre725.52 USD
  • 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre621.88 USD
  • 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre1036.46 USD
  • 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre984.64 USD
  • Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre192.58 USD
  • Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre144.43 USD

Transportation

  • One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)0.73 USD
  • Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price)118.16 USD
  • Taxi Start (Standard Tariff)1.55 USD
  • Taxi 1 mile (Standard Tariff)2.42 USD
  • Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff)7.54 USD
  • Gasoline (1 Liter)1.43 USD
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car)22598.97 USD
  • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car)28672.64 USD
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)7.26 USD

Food & Groceries

  • Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant10.36 USD
  • Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks)20000.00 USD
  • Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal)10.36 USD
  • Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint)2.28 USD
  • Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle)2.07 USD
  • Cappuccino (Regular Size)3.80 USD
  • Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 12 oz Small Bottle)2.18 USD
  • Bottled Water (12 oz)1.36 USD
  • Milk (Regular, 1 Liter)1.81 USD
  • Fresh White Bread (1 lb Loaf)1.41 USD
  • White Rice (1 lb)1.03 USD
  • Eggs (12, Large Size)1.70 USD
  • Local Cheese (1 lb)4.18 USD
  • Chicken Fillets (1 lb)4.29 USD
  • Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 lb)6.24 USD
  • Apples (1 lb)1.86 USD
  • Bananas (1 lb)0.74 USD
  • Oranges (1 lb)2.04 USD
  • Tomatoes (1 lb)1.33 USD
  • Potatoes (1 lb)1.17 USD
  • Onions (1 lb)1.19 USD
  • Lettuce (1 Head)1.04 USD
  • Bottled Water (50 oz)2.30 USD
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)9000.00 USD
  • Domestic Beer (16.9 oz Bottle)1.87 USD
  • Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro)5.60 USD

Lifestyle & Entertainment

  • Monthly Fitness Club Membership67.37 USD
  • Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child310.94 USD
  • International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child2446.05 USD
  • Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar)72.02 USD
  • Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)123.04 USD
  • Men's Leather Business Shoes80.15 USD

Other

  • Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data)10673.25 USD
  • Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M)53.48 USD
  • Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)1612.11 USD
  • Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %)0.02 USD

☑️ Move-Abroad Checklist

↑